Setting SMART Goals for 2025

Here’s a practical guide to setting goals that are both realistic and effective for your career journey this year.

Step 1: Reflect on where you are and where you want to go

Before you can set goals, it’s important to take stock of where you currently are in your career. Ask yourself questions like:

• What are my strengths and what areas do I want to develop?
• What experiences have I enjoyed most in my career so far, and how can I build on those?
• What kind of work or projects am I passionate about, and how can I incorporate more of that into my daily life?

This reflection phase helps you get clear on your priorities and ensures that your goals align with what you actually want to achieve, rather than just what’s expected of you.

Step 2: Break down into short-term actionable goals

Once you’ve defined your broader career vision for 2025, it’s time to break that down into smaller, achievable goals. Think about where you want to be at the end of the year, then divide that vision into smaller steps that you can take over the next few months.

While it’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything you think you should be working on, narrowing your focus to key areas will help you stay on track. Think about where you want to see the most progress and what will have the greatest impact on your career. 

For example:

• If you want to move into a leadership position, your short-term goals could include:
• Taking on a team project by Q2
• Attending at least two leadership development workshops or webinars by mid-year
• Finding a mentor to guide you through the process

Make sure each goal is specific, measurable, and achievable within the time frame you set.

Step 3: Make Your Goals SMART

One of the best ways to make sure your goals are actionable is to use the SMART criteria—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Let’s break this down:

Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying “improve leadership skills,” say “take on a team project by June.”

Measurable: Define how you’ll measure success. This could be as simple as “complete a course on public speaking by April” or “attend four networking events by Q3.”

Achievable: Make sure your goal is realistic given your current resources, skills, and time. Avoid setting goals that are too big to tackle in a single year.

Relevant: Your goals should align with your long-term career objectives. If you want to be in a leadership role, focusing on a goal like “Improve technical skills in a specific area” may not be the most relevant.

Time-bound: Set a clear deadline for each goal. This helps create a sense of urgency and allows you to track your progress.

Step 4: Create an Action Plan

Now that you have your SMART goals, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. For each goal, identify the tasks you need to complete and when they should happen. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and keep you on track.

For example:

Goal: Take on a leadership role in a project by Q2

Action steps:

1. Identify a potential project by January 15
2. Speak to your manager about leading the project by January 30
3. Create a project plan by February 15
4. Lead the project from March to June

By laying out clear actions with deadlines, you’ll make sure you’re always moving forward.

Step 5: Track Your Progress and Celebrate Milestones

As the year progresses, it’s important to keep track of your goals and adjust them as needed. Life can throw unexpected challenges your way, so be flexible in how you approach your career journey. Set aside time every few weeks or months to review your progress, reflect on what’s working, and make adjustments where necessary.

Don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working out or if your priorities change. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.

Finally, remember to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small! Reaching a career goal—whether it’s landing a new project or expanding your network—is a big deal. Take time to acknowledge your progress and give yourself credit for the hard work you’ve put in. Celebrating your wins will help keep you motivated and energised for the year ahead!